Stella Damasus Opens Up: “They Say I’m Not Dark Enough or Light Enough” – Navigating Hollywood’s Racial Stereotypes as an African Actress

Nigerian actress Stella Damasus has once again stirred conversations around colorism and racial identity in Hollywood, as she shared her personal experience navigating the film industry in the United States. Speaking candidly, the veteran actress revealed the struggles she’s faced breaking into major Hollywood roles—not for lack of talent, but for how she looks.

According to Stella, she’s often told she doesn’t fit the stereotypical image of what Hollywood expects an African actress to look like. “They say I’m not dark enough or light enough to be a half-caste,” she said, highlighting the industry’s narrow and often unrealistic representation of African women.

The term “half-caste,” though outdated and offensive in many circles, is still used by some to refer to individuals of mixed race. Stella’s point, however, goes beyond mere semantics. She’s speaking to the harmful boxes Hollywood places people of African descent in—expecting either the extremes of skin tone or a very specific accent or background in order to be considered “authentic” enough to play African roles.

“They’re not used to my kind of African,” Stella added, referring to the fact that her upbringing, experiences, and articulation don’t fit neatly into the image Hollywood typically associates with Africans on screen. For her, being African is not just about how one looks, but the stories they carry, the culture they embody, and the values they uphold.

This isn't the first time Damasus has spoken out about issues plaguing the global entertainment industry. With over two decades in Nollywood, she has watched the evolution of African cinema and remains one of its strongest voices advocating for representation that is real, rich, and respectful.

The actress’s remarks come at a time when conversations about diversity and inclusion in film are gaining global momentum. Still, many African talents feel boxed in by stereotypes that either romanticize poverty or reduce African identity to outdated caricatures.

Stella’s voice adds to a growing call for casting directors and producers to dig deeper—to understand that Africa is not a monolith and that African actors don’t all fit into one mold. With a wealth of talent and unique stories to tell, actresses like Stella Damasus are urging Hollywood to stop limiting what it means to be African.

In a world where identity is multifaceted and evolving, Stella’s story is a reminder that representation must move beyond surface appearances. It’s time for Hollywood to embrace the full spectrum of African voices—whether dark, light, or somewhere in between.